Lagos State Ministry of Justice

    Lagos Showcase Achievements At 2023 NBA (SPIDEL) Annual Conference

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    The Lagos State Government recently , through the State’s Ministry  of Justice, showcased some of its achievements at the j 2023 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) at  Citadel Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos Speaking during the Lagos Showcase Session on Thursday,23rd June,2023,at the just concluded NBA (SPIDEL) Annual Conference, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-bey-Jeje noted that the constant reform of laws in the State is to enhance the administration of the criminal justice system while providing unabridged access to justice for all residents in the State She stressed that a total number of 25 bills have been passed and signed into law to ensure speedy dispensation of Justice in the State “Lagos has always been an innovative State which creates people-oriented laws and policy design to make life better and safer for its people of diverse culture, race, nationality, religion and social status” she said. She further stated that the State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to enhancing the quality of service delivery of the State  judiciary through renovations of various Magistrate and High Court buildings across the State, noting that 10 courts have been fully digitalized, as well creating an online platform where citizens of the State can visit to access all forms of legal advice. The Administrator-General and Public Trustee of the State,Mr. Oduyebo noted that the Office was established with the statutory responsibility of managing and equitably sharing Assets of Estates of persons who died interstate (without leaving a Will),but however,AG&PT can act on behalf of estate of deceased persons who left a Will especially when the Testator makes the agency as the executor of the Will. He emphasized  that the agency has the mandate to manage and distribute the assets of the estates to the beneficiaries who have proved their relationship to the deceased in line with the relevant laws of the State He also revealed that individuals through the agency can obtain letters of administration in respect of estate under its management, amongst others. While speaking on the activities of the her unit, the Coordinator of the Special Task Force on LandGrabber, Miss. Rukayat Shomade, disclosed that over 7000 petitions have been received since the establishment of the agency in June, 2016. Shomade further stated that 2500 petitions have been treated with about 1500 petitions outside the State’s  jurisdiction considered to be frivolous while stressing that  10 convictions have been made and 70 petitioners have fully recovered their property. Other Dignitaries at the event includes  Lawyers, Directors, Counsel and other members of the bar and bench.

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    Prerogative of Mercy: Sanwo-Olu Approves Release Of 104 Inmates

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    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, has approved the release of 104 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State. The Governor signed the release order on the 28th of December 2022 in cognisance of the Spirit of the Season and the New Year Festive Celebration. The exercise is pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 (1)&(2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria ( as amended). The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in reaching its recommendations exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications in line with the applicable guidelines. The Council took note of the information provided by the correctional authorities, the nature of the offence, period of incarceration, age, health and behavioural conduct of the inmates. The approval for the release of the inmates is in line with the commitment of Mr. Governor to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms. Signed Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN Lagos State Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice 30th of December, 2022

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    Lagos Court Remands ASP Drambi Vandi

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    A Magistrate Court sitting in Yaba on Friday has remanded ASP Drambi Vandi who allegedly murdered Mrs Omobolanle Raheem on the 25th of December, 2022 at Ajah Roundabout, Ajah, Lagos. Lagos Attorney General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN who appeared before the Chief Magistrate Court, Yaba, applied for the remand of the defendant pursuant to Section 264 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos, 2015.  Attached to the remand request is  a one count charge of Murder contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Law Ch. C17 Vol. 3 Laws of Lagos State, 2015. Chief Magistrate, C.A. Adedayo granted the request of the Honourable Attorney-General and ordered the remand of the Suspect for the first 30 days in line with the provision of the law pending further investigation by the Police. Also in appearance at the court includes the Solicitor/General, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, the, Deputy Director, Adebayo Haroun, O/C Legal Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command, Y.O. Cardoso and Assistant Director, O.R. Saliu while Moses Jah-Nissi appeared for ASP Drambi Vandi. The Court adjourned the case to 30th of January, 2023 for the review of the remand Order and ordered the case file be duplicated and sent to the DPP for legal advice

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    MOJ Rewards Outstanding Officers

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    The Lagos State Ministry of Justice on Thursday rewarded outstanding officers who have shown commitment and diligence at their duty post during the course of the year. The award cuts across all the departments,agencies and units under the Ministry of Justice. The honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (S.A.N), in his address at the ministry’s Y2022 merit award and end of year ceremony, commended the outstanding officers and members of staff for their efforts all through the year, noting that the management staff cannot work efficiently without the support of other staff members. “We appreciate all efforts to ensure the ministry runs smoothly, the Permanent Secretary  and I can’t do this without you and as we go to war against citizens that break the law of Lagos State, when we turn back and see the formidable team from all the departments and agencies, we are sure of winning the war”. Furthermore, he stated that the sanity and safety that the State is benefitting right now is due to the diligence exhibited by law enforcement officers, prosecutors and drafters amongst others in the State. “Lagos is the safest state in Nigeria simply because of the work that you all have done. The assiduousness displayed by all is one of the reasons why Lagos State still enjoys relative safety which has resulted to a large influx of people. It’s because of the work you do in enforcement, prosecuting crimes, defending the State against frivolous cases and in drafting laws that ensures the state achieves its potential as a 21st century State”. The Commissioner  however charged members of staff to self access themselves and make necessary adjustments where they are found wanting while making efforts to be better at their duty post next year. He commended the winners of this year’s prize for their efforts while charging them not to relent  on their oars, noting that only excellence is good for residents of Lagos State while a lot is expected from the Ministry of Justice next year and beyond. He also enjoined those that didn’t win not to give up in their pursuit of excellence.  Onigbanjo concluded by wishing members of Staff a Merry Christmas and prosperous new year in good health. The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey expressed delight seeing members of staff looking radiant and colorful. She noted that the award is necessary to serve as a morale booster for members of staff to be able to do more. She congratulated the winners while urging them to put in extra efforts next year noting that the reward for hard work is more work. There were various awards in different categories with winners emerging from departments in the ministry as well as agencies including Office of the Public Defender(OPD), Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Citizen Mediation Centre (CMC), Mobile court amongst others.

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    RESTORATIVE JUSTICE WEEK 2022.LAGOS SENSITIZES CORRECTIONAL CENTRE FOR BOYS ON VICTIM OFFENDER MEDIATION

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    As part of efforts to promote peaceful communities ,transforming the Criminal justice system and prevent re-offending,the Lagos State Restorative Justice Center  on Thursday expanded its sensitization campaign to the Lagos Correctional Centre for Boys ,Oregun,Lagos in Commemoration of the Lagos Restorative  Justice  week 2022. Speaking during visit,the  Coordinator, RJC, Mrs. Adenike Oluwafemi, stated that the establishment of the restorative justice centre is to serve as an alternative dispute resolution and as a tool for decongesting the less serious case in the court system. “Restorative justice is a form of alternative dispute resolution and we are determined to deploy it as a tool for decongesting as many of the less serious cases in the dockets of the court system and invariably the overcrowded correctional centres”. The Coordinator further stated that during the Victim Offender  mediation(VOM),the victim and offender are brought together to repair the harm while the offender is reintegrated back to the society  to achieve a sense of healing for both parties . “Restorative Justice  seeks to provide opportunities for victims, offenders, and communities affected by a crime to communicate (directly or indirectly) about the causes, circumstances, and impact of that crime, and to address their related needs.” Mrs. Adenike Oluwafemi hereby reiterated the State Government’s resolve to ensure an effective dispensation of justice whereby people can walk into the centre to make enquiries as well as file complaints She added that the Centre is equipped with excellent and exceptional facilitators to ensure transparency and due process in accordance with the Criminal Justice system of the State The Coordinator and Principal of the Special Correctional Home for Boys, Mr. Iyapo, expressed his profound and heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the correctional facility to the State Government, Ministry of Justice and the RJ Steering Committee who have spared time out of their busy schedule to enlighten the boys on the benefits of  restorative justice, its importance and workability.He however assured the committee members of the commitment of the school in further educating the boys and parents alike. Other Attendees includes members of the Restorative Justice Steering Committee- Director CMC, Mrs. Abiola Oseni, State Counsel, Mrs.Soewu and lawyers. The Year 2022 Rjc week is themed “Self Accountability:Aligning your actions with your values. It should be recalled that the Restorative justice week is held every November to create awareness about the benefits of RJ for the victim,offender,communities and stakeholders.

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    Lagos Commissioner Bags  Attorney General of The Year Award.

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    Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN ) on Sunday , received the “Attorney General of the Year” Award at the just concluded ESQ Nigerian Legal Awards 2022 held at the Landmark Event Centre,Oniru, Lagos. The Attorney General who was represented at the award ceremony by the Administrator General and Public Trustee, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi was honoured with the award in recognition of his outstanding performance as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State and his immense contribution to the transformation of justice delivery and promotion of the rule of law in the State. The Award is a testament to the highest standard that the Commissioner has attained in the law profession and the enviable position that he occupies in African legal practice.

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    Sanwo-Olu Charge Law Officers to Demonstrate Professionalism and Civility

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    BY OKEDARA BANKALE The Lagos State government has charged Law enforcement Officers to show professionalism and be civil in their interactions with the public. Mr. Governor, Olusola Sanwo-Olu ably represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat said this at the Y2022 Mandatory Training exercise, Passing out Parade for law enforcement Officers at Lagos State law enforcement training Institute (LETI), Magodo recently. Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that this administration is irrevocably committed to upholding the tenets of the rule of Law and therefore will not Condone any form of harassment, arbitrariness, extortion from any of its law Enforcement Officers. He Further said, the Government will continue to strengthen the capacity of the law Enforcement Officers with the appropriate gadgets and equipment that will enhance their efficiency and effectiveness while also promoting accountability and transparency. Moreover, he urged all Lagosian to continue to be law abiding and support and protect men and Officers of law enforcement agencies in order to serve them better. In the same vein, the Head of LETI, Mrs. Abiola Adeyinka in her words, congratulated the Officers from the Agencies on the occasion of the passing out and added that training is important and necessary because it represent a good opportunity and privilege for staff to grow their knowledge base and improve their job skills to become effective and efficient in the work place. Mrs. Adeyinka laud the Lagos state investment committed to this training as worth while and its impact has become measurable by responses from the public. She said the recent positive development in the area of security have shown that despite the challenges, we can see a great light at the end of the tunnel and so, our dear Lagos is certainly poised for a new lease of life. Present at the law Enforcement passing-out-parade were dignitaries and members of the Nigeria Army, Police command and Directors of Agencies.

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    LASG Reiterates Commitment to Child Rights Law

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    Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to the greater awareness of children’s rights in the State which is in line with the “THEMES” agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Administration. Director, Citizen Rights, Ms. Adetutu Oshinusi disclosed this while speaking at the sensitization program held on Wednesday at Eva Adelaja Girls Senior Secondary School, Bariga and Ajayi Crowther Memorial Senior Grammar School, Bariga. Speaking at both gatherings, the Director noted that the sensitization program is in furtherance to the “One Stop Child Justice Centre” an initiative of Directorate of Citizens Right (DCR), Lagos State Ministry of Justice, to reduce the spate of child abuse in the State and ensure that minors are protected from abuse and abusers. The Director stated that the State Government in collaboration with Ministry of Justice, is fully committed to promoting and advancing the rights of children. “We believe in the best interest of the child as the first and paramount consideration. We believe in the rights of our children to non-discrimination; to assurance of their best interests; to survival, development and protection; and to participation and self-expression” Oshinusi added that the State Government will continue to enhance the protection and support for vulnerable children through sensitization programs and campaigns. She reassured participants that this present administration has all it takes to safeguard the rights of children in the state and ensuring the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of all forms of child abuse in the society”. Principal Social Welfare Officer, DCR, Mr. Henry Adedeji, emphasized on the importance of sensitizing schools in the state as this will further ensure  that students are aware of their basic human rights, the laws that protect them and the adeptness to know specific agencies to report matters, whenever their rights is being infringed upon. Responding, the Principal, Eva Adelaja Girls Senior Secondary School, Mrs. Soyoye Oluyinka, expressed profound gratitude to the Lagos State Government and Ministry of Justice for promoting and bringing awareness of the Child Rights Law to the school, while urging participants on the need to do much more to ensure that no child is left behind in any part of the sensitization process and also making certain that students will continue to be monitored and guided on their rights as citizens of the State.

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    ACJMC to Understudy Lagos Restorative Justice System

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    The Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), Federal, recently visited the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to understudy the Lagos Restorative Justice System (RJC) at the State’s Secretariat, Alausa. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 3day meeting,Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN ably represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-bey noted that the Lagos State Restorative Justice Programme is the brain-child of the Criminal Justice Sector Reform Committee aimed at improving the Criminal Justice delivery system by taking minor offences and misdemeanors off the dockets of the criminal courts. Onigbanjo added that a Restorative Justice Sterering Committee was set up in 2017 to organize trainings for volunteer restorative justice members  and facilitators who will conduct victim/offender mediation and make appropriate recommendations as to how these cases will be resolved amicably. The Attorney General assured participants that the programme will take everyone through the Legal Framework of the Committee and the inter-relationship between the Police and the Office of the DPP in Restorative Justice Process. The Coordinator, Lagos Restorative Justice Centre, Mrs. Adenike Oluwafemi expressed gratitude to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary and the ACJMC team led by the Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulayman Dawodu for the success of the program and looked forward to the establishment of the Restorative Justice Centre in the FCT, Abuja.

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